National Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Indigenous History Month

Additionally, Indigenous History Month is commemorated each June and is a time to learn about the many communities that comprise Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Métis. This is a time to listen, to learn, and to re-commit to driving meaningful change on our campuses through reconciliation.

The University of Saskatchewan strives to be the best place it can be for Indigenous students, staff, faculty, alumni and visitors. Members of our university community are active participants — not bystanders — in advancing reconciliation. We are committed to weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being into our teaching, learning and research missions, and to fostering constructive dialogue that builds respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

We understand the importance of acknowledging the past to build a better future. We encourage all members of the university community to take time to educate themselves on the ongoing challenges faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, and to take a moment to honour the survivors of residential schools and those who never returned home.

Events are taking place around Saskatoon on June 20 and June 21, including the Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation at Victoria Park on June 20, a full day of programming and celebration at Wanuskewin, and a special film screening at the Remai Modern on June 21. I invite you to attend and take part in these community events as you are able. You can also learn more online by visiting the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement website, the University Library Indigenous Studies Portal, and find additional resources and events on the Indigenous History Month Spotlight website.

Thank you for being a part of this journey we are walking together.

Sincerely,

Peter Stoicheff
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Saskatchewan